Nigeria: Nearly a Year After Subsidy Removal, Fuel Scarcity and Long Queues Continue to Plague Nigerians

Fuel scarcity continues to plague Nigeria, eleven months after the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu. Despite assurances from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of regular supply, long queues and shortages persist at petrol stations nationwide.

The removal of fuel subsidy was meant to open up the market to private sector imports, but forex shortages have led to the NNPCL becoming the sole importer of petrol. Oil marketers blame logistics issues for the scarcity, while the NNPCL defends its monopoly citing price volatility challenges.

In major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Maiduguri, and Enugu, fuel queues and varying prices have disrupted daily life. Motorists face long waits and increased costs, with black market prices reaching exorbitant levels.

The situation has led to frustration among commuters, with taxi drivers and bus operators struggling to cope with the rising costs. Civil servants lament the impact on their daily expenses, while private fuel stations remain shut in some areas.

Despite promises of resolution from the NNPCL and industry associations, the fuel scarcity shows no signs of abating. As Nigerians continue to grapple with the harsh realities of the fuel crisis, the hope for relief remains uncertain.